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At 28, Linges Warry Apparao is a Diploma in Management holder who works full-time in HR while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources.
She has also been modelling for eight years, where many know her as Linda Rao in social media. However, her journey to self-acceptance has not been easy.
Growing up feeling “different”
From a young age, Linda knew she was not like other children.
She could not walk like everyone else and had to rely on a walker. At one point, she needed a wheelchair to move around.
Frequent hospital visits, medications, medical supplies, and breathing support became part of her daily life.
While her friends were going to tuition, playing at playgrounds, and hanging out, Linda was navigating hospital appointments and physical limitations.
“That was when I realised I’m not a normal kid. I needed a lot of support.”
This is because she is battling nemaline rod myopathy, scoliosis and progressive alveolar hyperventilation. The pain, she admits, is constant and some days, there is no medication or treatment that fully ease it.
“It’s not an easy life. It takes a lot of time, energy, money and strength. But if there’s one thing that keeps me going, it’s my family.
“My parents stood by me during my hospital stays, while my brother constantly encouraged me to focus on my studies and passions rather than my diagnosis.
“He always told me to devote my mind to what I love, not to my condition,” she said.
A dream she kept to herself
As a child, Linda loved watching modelling shows and flipping through fashion magazines. From there, she fell in love with colours, textures, outfits, and different styles.
“Deep down, I’ve always wanted to be a model, but during that era, beauty standards were rigid. Models were expected to be tall, skinny, fair-skinned, and fit a very specific look.
“As you can see me, I didn’t fit any of the requirements. Because of that, I never told anyone about her dream, Not even my family.”
In 2018, Linda finally took the leap of faith and entered the modelling industry as a complete novice. She had to learn everything from scratch, including makeup, grooming, product knowledge, posing, and presentation.
A close friend named Vithya also stepped in to help by teaching her basic makeup skills so she could prepare herself for photoshoots.
“She was indeed God-sent to me,” she said gratefully.
Since then, Linda has worked with models from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities. She has also walked along runways, done concept shoots, and collaborated with both able-bodied and disabled models.
“For me, modelling is not just about passion. It’s also about representation and inclusivity,”
Facing hate online
Before turning 20, Linda hid her condition from social media. She avoided posting photos that revealed her disability because she was tired of being asked, “What happened to you?” or being told to try different hospitals and treatments.
But eventually, she decided she could not hide anymore.
When she revealed her condition online, the first harsh comment she got was someone calling her “ugly”.
“I started questioning everything. Should I quit social media? Should I disappear?
“But among the negativity were supportive voices. Some people messaged me saying that after seeing me being brave enough to share about my physical condition, they too began showing their true selves online.
“And that’s the reason I’m still doing my content,” she added.
Learning to love herself
Linda is brutally honest when it comes to her struggles with self-confidence, saying: “If I say I’m confident 24/7, it’s a lie.”
But amidst the struggle, she learned something powerful and far more valuable.
“I learned that I look beautiful and good. No one is perfect or the same.”
But she believes beauty standards still have a long way to go, especially in the beauty industry when it comes to formulas and shades for inclusivity.
After nearly eight years in the industry, Linda has seen improvements in inclusivity as there are now more models of different body sizes, skin colours, and abilities.
“I want the world to remember me as a lady who pursued everything she loved, even with the limitations and ups and downs. Through it all, I never gave up.”
And perhaps that is her most powerful runway yet, walking confidently in her own skin, on her own terms.
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